Abstract: An apparatus for supporting and facilitating accurate positioning, both linearly and angularly of a medical device such as an ultrasound probe, a medical instrument or an imaging device. The apparatus is capable of both gross and precise omni-directional movements with the medical device attached, while remaining connected to stationary objects such as a portable floor stand and/or operating table. After gross manual placement and approximate positioning, the fine tune mechanism of the attached medical device is locked in positioned and secured to two fixed points. Exact positioning is then achieved by the precision movements which are available in all three linear directions and rotational axes. By this arrangement which allows preattachment of the medical device or instrument (i.e., an ultrasound probe) to the apparatus prior to positioning in the patient, quicker, more accurate and more reproducible medical device positioning and placement are achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for a medical instrument includes bracket member having a cavity dimensioned and configured to receive at least a portion of the medical instrument; carriage member defining a recess adapted to rotationally support the bracket member; base assembly adapted to be slidably connected to support the carriage member; grid support member adapted to be connected to one end of the base assembly; and template grid, coupled to the grid support member, the template grid having a plurality of grid apertures. In one preferred embodiment, the medical instrument is an ultrasound probe.